Accession Count: 32
Common Name:
shoestring acacia, pencil leaf acacia
Family Name:
Fabaceae
Botanical Name:
Acacia stenophylla
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Acacia stenophylla can grow to be thirty feet high, and twenty feet wide. The name "shoestring" and "pencil leaf" come from the long, narrow phyllodes of the tree. These green leaf-like appendages can grow up to sixteen inches long. The foliage of this evergreen contrasts well with the grayish-brown bark, and white globular inflorescence bloom from the shoestring acacia throughout the spring (1).
Compound:
Aca ste
Geographic Origin:
Australia
Ecozone Origin:
Australasia
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Acacia stenophylla is native to Eastern Australia and is found along river channels. The shoestring acacia can be found naturally growing along riverbeds of inland Australia. They were not introduced to the American southwest until the twentieth century (3).
Cultivation Notes:
A. stenophylla is a hardy evergreen, able to tolerate temperatures as low as 18oF. The pencil leaf acacia grows well in all types of landscapes, and is best in full sun and well drained soil. The tree can become very drought tolerant when established, if it is properly watered to encourage deep rooting. Water for this tree is needed only monthly. The weeping canopy of the shoestring casts light shade that is beneficial to succulents, and some shrubs and ground covers (1,2). This species forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that allows for the plant to fix nitrogen gases from the atmosphere. Otherwise, the tree can grow in alkaline and neutral pH, in a variety of soil textures from clay, loam and sand soil. Well drained soil and full sunlight is best. Propagation of the species includes seed collection and cuttings (1). The species needs to be properly pruned for structure at a young age to ensure correct growing habits and tree stability.
Ethnobotany:
The Australian native tree species was originally used as a food source by indigenous people and was also used for lumber (3). The species, in the past, has been used for fencing and wind breaks (2). Other historical uses of the Acacia stenophylla that have been documented include clubs and boomerangs made from the wood (5).In the past 20 years the species has gained popularity as a landscape ornamental in the southwest due to its structure and foliage. The filtered shade it provides makes it great for pool and patio settings. They are also great for screen planting and outstanding when displayed by itself. The shoestring acacia requires practically no additional maintenance, aside from pruning the suckers that grow from exposed roots (1,3).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
16 - 20 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Fall
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
White
Function:
Screen
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
1. Starr, Greg. Starr Nursery. Personal Communication.
